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Intruder training worth your time

Although national headlines make it seem inevitable, the odds that your life will be threatened by a stranger armed with a firearm at your workplace, church or school are microscopically tiny. That isn’t to say

Intruder training worth your time

Although national headlines make it seem inevitable, the odds that your life will be threatened by a stranger armed with a firearm at your workplace, church or school are microscopically tiny. That isn’t to say there is no risk; it is more likely than being struck by lightning but less probable than winning the $421 million MegaMillions jackpot.

Likewise, an individual’s chances of being killed in a car crash are very small. Yet we prepare for that possibility — buying insurance, buckling seat belts.

Are you and your family prepared for violent intruder situation at your workplace, favorite store, school?

Here is your chance to learn from the experts.

Port Huron Police and the Port Huron Schools are teaming up to provide active shooter response training to the community. You should take advantage of it — because despite the odds, someone will win the MegaMillions jackpot.

The ALICE program that Port Huron Police and the St. Clair County Sheriff Department teaches works. It follows strategies endorsed by law enforcement agencies across the country, including the Department of Homeland Security.

Because ALICE upends some long-held ideas about how to stay safe in a violent situation, it is probably best learned first-hand from experienced trainers. ALICE’s basic premise is avoid trouble if you can but be prepared to fight if you must.

The training will be March 28 at Port Huron Northern High School’s performing arts center with a mix of lecture and simulated practice.

Anyone who can’t attend the March 28 session can get it delivered to their place of business, church or other group. The Port Huron Police Department, St. Clair County Sheriff Department and other agencies have been providing the training for free. Contact them to set up an appointment. Think of it as latching your seat belt.

Port Huron Schools are also working with law enforcement agencies across the country to improve officers’ training. The district is lending its buildings to police so that they can practice their response to a violent intruder. Police regularly practice and review their techniques, but generally simulate emergency scenarios in empty or unused buildings. Drills in April will use real buildings — the district’s two high schools — and the people who use those buildings every day.

It is a uniquely realistic way to recreate the real chaos and tension of a violent, dangerous situation. The police and schools should learn a lot from it that we all hope will never be needed.

It is another way Port Huron Schools and Port Huron Police are serving our community.